Program

Environmental Science

Domestic Applications

Winter 2023: Accepting applications

Summer 2023: Accepting applications

Fall 2023: Accepting applications

Please apply directly into Associate of Science

Campus
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Admission Type
Open Enrolment - General Admission Requirements

Overview

Explore the environmental issues that affect us locally and globally and learn how a scientific perspective can improve our understanding of them with the Environmental Science associate degree.  

As the issues involved in environmental science are often complex and multi-faceted, environmental science requires an interdisciplinary approach. You'll take courses in a variety of science disciplines such as biology, geology and chemistry, as well as courses in the arts, social sciences and business. You may also explore environmental science courses as diverse as environmental geology, urban ecology, environmental ethics and marine biology. As a part of your education, you’ll go on a variety of field trips, attend field schools and use industry tools such as geological mapping software.

What is an associate degree? 

Associate degrees take two years to complete and concentrate on one area of study. If you plan your courses carefully with a university program in mind, you’ll be able to transfer all 60 credits to university. In most cases, an associate degree will allow you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. To ensure your courses transfer, see the BC Transfer Guide. 

Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies 

Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 60 University Transferable credits
  • Require a minimum GPA of 2.00
  • 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 60 University Transferable credits
  • Require a minimum GPA of 2.00
  • 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years

The Associate of Science Degree - Environmental Science is awarded after completion of the requirements specified below.  No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.

Mathematics courses (6 credits): 

English courses (6 credits):

First-year Science courses (at least 24 credits):

Second-year Science courses (at least 18 credits, in at least two different subject areas):

Arts courses (6 credits): 

Select any two Arts or Humanities courses, excluding Mathematics, English and all lab-based science courses.  Recommended Arts and Humanities courses can be found in the Douglas College catalogue under Associate of Arts Degree (thematic focus on Environmental Studies).

Co-operative Education Option

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation.  Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms.  For information contact Co-operative Education at the Career Centre at Douglas College.

Admissions Requirements

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Career Pathways

Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a B.C. university, who also have an interest in the environment and related professions, should consider the Associate Degree in Environmental Science. It allows students to complete two years (60 credits) of first- and second-year university-level courses, including subjects related to Earth's biology and environmental issues. Students then transfer to university and enter the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Science program. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average. 

Transfer to Related Degree Programs

See the Curriculum Framework for details on the following block transfer agreements:BSc Degree in Environmental Science at Royal Roads UniversityBSc Degree in Environmental Science at University of LethbridgeBSc Degree in Wood Products Processing at UBC

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Testimonials

Student Quote

Go green or go home

Environmental Science student Christen McDonald puts her money where her mouth is.
Read More